Autism is not a disease but rather a collection of disorders of brain development called
Autism Spectrum Disorders
ASD affects each person in different ways and can range from very mild to severe
ASD
is a neurological condition that affects the way a person experiences and interacts with the world
Delayed & disordered language
Impaired social interaction
Repetitive behavior
Restricted range of interest
ASD
is a neurological condition that affects the way a person experiences and interacts with the world
Delayed & disordered language
Impaired social interaction
Repetitive behavior
Restricted range of interest
BEFORE 2013, five different subtypes of autism were classified under:
Pervasive Development Disorders (PDD): 1994 - 2013
Autism
Autistic disorder “classic” autism
Asperger’s
Asperger syndrome
CDD
Childhood disintegrative disorder
PDD-NOS
Pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified
four of the five subtypes have now been replaced with one central diagnosis:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): 2013 - present
Rather than a distinction between different subtypes, ASD is now differentiated based on three levels of severity and support needed:
Level 1
Requiring support
Problems with inflexibility, poor organization, planning, switching between activities, which impair independence. Poor social skills, difficulty in initiating interactions, attempts to make friends are odd and unsuccessful.
Level 2
Requiring substantial support
Marked difficulties in verbal and nonverbal social communication skills. Markedly odd, restricted repetitive behaviors, noticeable difficulties changing activities or focus.
Level 3
Requiring very substantial support
Severe difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication. Very limited speech, odd, repetitive behavior; many express their basic needs only.
1 in 59 individuals with a diagnosis of autism
1/189 girls diagnosed with autism
1/42 boys diagnosed with autism